Rex's general manager of network strategy and sales, Warrick Lodge, said the council was pursuing a path which would substantially damage the social and economic fabric of Dubbo and the surrounding region.

"Many individuals and companies have expressed their outrage at this irresponsible decision to impose an unnecessary and unfair burden on them and the wider community; some have indicated they will be reconsidering their investments in Dubbo as a consequence.

Mr Lodge said the Rex board was meeting today and is considering options relating to its Dubbo services.

The board has invited mayor Mathew Dickerson to a meeting before making a final decision.

Rex has urged all concerned constituents to multiply the petitions for a rescission motion by 10-fold so the council would be forced to listen to the community (go to www.rex.com.au click on Stop Screening Charges at Dubbo).

Mr Lodge called on ratepayers to let councillors know they would lose their legitimacy to represent them if they insisted on pursuing the security screening charges.

Rex operates up to seven return flights a day between Dubbo and Sydney with a crew based at Dubbo. Additionally it operates a successful charter business, Air Link, headquartered at Dubbo with a maintenance base and support staff. In total the Rex Group has 27 staff based at Dubbo.

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